Google Rolls Out Local Paid Search

Google recently announced a new cog in its paid search advertising machine – sponsored local search listings. The new feature, aimed primarily at small, local businesses with limited advertising budgets, allows business owners to leverage their Google Local Business Search listings and show up in the coveted map results on search engine results pages (SERPs).

Some noteworthy features of this new program:

• Businesses will be billed a flat monthly rate, so ongoing management is less necessary.
• Businesses will be ranked based on category and physical proximity to the searcher.
• Businesses will have the option of a built-in call tracking service.

Currently the program is only available in the San Francisco and San Diego. Whether local paid search prices are linked to AdWords pricing also remains to be seen.